A survey inspired by the headlines, the Danny Almonte situation - a 14 year old playing in the Little League World Series. We wondered whether opinions might change after Sept.11 (this survey began before that) and other than a slight shift to more voters picking 'disqualification' over 'allowed to play" in the first chart, there were no noticeable differences before and after. Despite the recognition that the age only system is unfair and sometimes results in fudging birth date info, it is still the preferred method of splitting players into competitive divisions. (WebBall doesn't happen to agree but the results reflect your opinions not ours.) We were also surprised to see 'coaches should be punished' as the top statement of principal - in our experience player eligibility is often determined at the time of registration and is seldom the coaches sole perogative. The comments selected below are extremely telling.

Decision itself... Criteria for league play... Principles and punishment...

This was a failure brought on by greed and wanting to get an unfair advantage. Little League baseball is still a viable enterprise. The thousands of boys and girls now playing within the Little League system should not be punished because of the actions of a few. The game will survive, though not without new safeguards being put in throughout the registration process. As for those teams who were cheated out of a legitimate chance to play for the title, nothing can bring that back. I do think they should be allowed to pursue reimbursement of the thousands of dollars it costs each family to go all the way to the World Series and then be cheated out of a chance of taking the title.
- Brent Yode

The age factor is only one issue. I am also concerned when I hear that little leaguers are practicing 6 days a week and playing 100 ballgames a year. How is the average league team supposed to compete with this obsessiveness. I'm torn on question#2 between age and a standardized test. On one hand the ability test makes sense for safety reasons (older kids who can't catch playing with kids who have cannons for arms is dangerous) and on the other if kids aren't practicing and progressing then should they be rewarded by allowing them to excel at lower levels.
- David Horrell

I have been coaching youth athletics for almost 10 years. My son and daughter do not play within the Little League organization, because we prefer the rules and competition of other organizations, such a Super Series Baseball of America, USSSA, and AABC. Yet, the standards and principal of all youth organization are fundamentally the same.
What this players father and coaches did is unacceptable. This scenario is played out more often than anyone realizes, but the media coverage of the LLWS brought this case to light and ultimate scrutiny. In a like scenario at the Super Series National Championships held in St. Louis this year, a coach/father was found to be playing a 13 year old, in the 12 year old division. Super Series banned the coach, player, and team from any further participation in Super Series events. For that swift and decisive action, I applaud them.
I have heard the argument that the team and other players should not be punished. I disagree. It would be a shocking revelation to me if anyone could prove that no one else on the Bronx team had any idea Danny Almonte was not the proper age or, at least, wondered.
It is also my opinion that the governing body of any youth event, in this case Little League Baseball, should research and seek advise on the laws of the state in which such a violation occurs. The misrepresentation of a government document, such as a birth certificate, maybe a criminal offense and should be pursued as such.
The argument has also been voiced that it is counter productive to the ideals of youth athletics to ban Danny Almonte, 'he is just a kid'. I would counter this argument with the fact that if he goes unpunished for cheating, society and Little League Baseball have done him a disservice. The most important element of youth athletics is our ability to mold and guide young people. Without incurring a consequence, a child can assume his actions are condoned. And, being banned from Little League competitions does not stop him from competing in baseball in the future. He can still play the sport in other organizations.
- JD Harrison

With only copies of records required, it is difficult for a coach or league to determine the validity of a document. Originals should be produced with appropriate seals and a copy retained by the league.
- Larry Cohen

In the scheme of life baseball is just a way to pass the time before you get too old to play the game. The Almonte situation only goes to show you what some people will try to get notariety for their kids.I don't think the league should suffer for the actions of an overzealous father. I just wonder how some 14 year old kids would have stacked up against him. In 1971 when I was in little league my team faced a pitcher named Brian Courville who pitched a perfect game against my team. Brian struck out 18 kids that game and there was only 3 foul balls the whole game. I was fortunate enough to have 2 of those fouls.
- Wes McGuire

A lot of the questions relate to all sports - not just baseball. winning is everything to a lot of people in the usa (and the world.) why can some 14 yr olds throw over 80 mph while others still throw in the 60's? it's like asking why are some adults 6'5" and others 5'8" ? it's just the way things work. you have to do the best with what you've got. in the end, hard work, 100% effort all the time, and good coaching just may not be enough.
- Len Boylan

The whole hype about LLWS created this situation. To put this much emphasis on winning at that age is rediculous. Some Coaches think it's all about themselves and put way too much pressure on children.
- S. Steven

The last section misses the point. Sure someone who cheats and is caught should be sanctioned. But lets not confuse the two issues that arise from this incident: 1) cheating, and 2) the creation of teams based on the equality of players athletic ability. The best competition, learning, and player development takes place among teams that are fairly well matched with regard to athletic ability. When teams are well matched, it forces coaches to work at player development rather than recruiting. Age is a poor way to gauge where a player is developmentally. A standardized measurement system would be better.
- Dave Way